Abstract: Objective: To observe the effect of Xinkeshu (XKS) and fluvastatin on adhesive molecules and inflammationin in plaque of atherosclerosis in rabbit.Methods: The New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group, high-fat group, fluvastatin group and Xinkeshu(XKS) group (9 /per group).The atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated by HE staining. Expression of MMP-9,macrophage andα-SMA in atherosclerotic plaques were detected by immunohistochemistry. The SOD and MDA were also measured. Results：Compared with high-fat group，the expressions of VCAM-1 in atherosclerotic plaques significantly decreased with the treatment of XKS and fluvastatin(P<0.01). The expression of MMP-9，macrophage infiltration andα-SMA were also lower in the XKS group and fluvastatin group than that in high-fat group (P<0.01)，while serum SOD activity increased (P<0.01). Conclusions： XKS and fluvastatin play an important role in the protection of endothelial function and anti-atherosclerosis effect by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxygen radical.

Key words: atherosclerosis, Xin keshu, fluvastatin, adhesive molecules